Individuals with weight/eating issues are, in general, externally motivated. This means that the external world and the events and people in it are more valued than internal perceptions and judgments. Relying on the external world for cues regarding performance, self-worth, cues on when to eat and how much leaves one very vulnerable to people and events. For example, if you are in a meeting that becomes stressful and has a negatively charged atmosphere, you will be more vulnerable to eating the donuts that you were previously able to resist in a more congenial atmosphere. Food can seem to order your world when it feels out of control. Continue reading →